Rizal Hall, Malacañan Palace
January 31, 2017
 

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte administered the oath taking of the newly appointed officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) led by its Chief of Staff, General Eduardo Año, at the Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace.

The President extended his congratulations to the families of the officials, and imparted in his keynote address that, “as a Commander-in-Chief, I share with you the honor and pride for hurdling the challenges and trials that each of you went through to come this far.”

He also mentioned a few of the pressing concerns that the country is facing today, including the worsening drug problem and Islamic extremism. He added that after his inauguration, he made it his obligation to visit military camps to solicit the uniformed men’s loyalty not to him but towards the country.

“The country needs it badly, your loyalty to the flag and to the country is paramount above loyalty to any particular personality,” he said.

At the end of his speech, President Duterte enjoined all the AFP officers to do their best and to remain faithful on their oath. “You owe that to our country and the Filipino people…I’m proud of my soldiers, I’m really proud of you,” he said.

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